Professor Benezeth Mutayoba, professor at Tanzania Sokoine University of Agriculture and Vice Chairman of the Tanzania Elephant Protection society, received the prestigious 2014 National Geographic/Buffet Award for leadership in Africa Conservation at a ceremony at National Geographic Headquarters in Washington, DC on June 12, 2014.
Dr. Mutayoba has worked tirelessly to support conservation efforts and educate Tanzanians about the benefits of sustainable environmental practices. His work has been instrumental in preventing the distribution of bushmeat and proving the harmful effects of poaching.
He has served as Vice-Chairman of the Tanzania Elephant Protection Society, during which time he developed a method to identify poached ivory through DNA. By using cutting-edge techniques to reveal the various dimensions and impact of illegal ivory trade, his study of elephant behavior are instrumental in combating wildlife poaching. Aside from dealing with poaching his work is also to improve health of other wildlife.
Against difficult odds, Prof. Mutayoba has shown great commitment to improving the plight of both wildlife and human communities in Tanzania. We congratulate him for this outstanding work and for putting Tanzania more visible on the world map.
Professor Benezeth Mutayoba, professor at Tanzania Sokoine University of Agriculture and Vice Chairman of the Tanzania Elephant Protection Society
